Burkina Faso - Public finance

Burkina Faso's revenue sources are limited, and the country
depends heavily on subsidies from France. An extensive fiscal adjustment
program was begun in 1991 with the help of the IMF, that outlined plans
for the privatization of state-owned enterprises. Over 40% of government
income is derived from customs duties, but $18 million had been netted
from parastatal sales by 1999. Personnel expenses account for over 40%
of outlays. Budget deficits averaging 10% of GDP during 1998 added
significantly to the debt service burden. At least 20% of the government
budget is financed by foreign aid.

The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) estimates that in 2001 Burkina
Faso's central government took in revenues of approximately $316
million. Overall, the government registered a surplus of approximately
$316 million. External debt totaled $1.5 billion.

The following table shows an itemized breakdown of government
expenditures. The percentages were calculated from data reported by the
International Monetary Fund. The dollar amounts (millions) are based on
the CIA estimates provided above.

EXPENDITURES

100.0%

General public services

7.8%

Defense

14.0%

Public order and safety

…

Education

17.3%

Health

6.9%

Social security

…

Housing and community amenities

0.8%

Recreation, cultural, and religious affairs

0.9%

Economic affairs and services

11.2%

Other expenditures

4.8%

Interest payments

8.3%

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